Tonight, Season One of MASTERCHEF JUNIOR came to an exciting conclusion as host/executive producer and judge Gordon Ramsay and fellow judges Joe Bastianich and Graham Elliot named Alexander Weiss, a 13-year-old from New York, NY, the winner of FOX’s hit cooking competition series. In addition to earning the title of America’s first-ever MASTERCHEF JUNIOR, Alexander walked away with a $100,000 grand prize.

“There was some pretty stiff competition, and it was amazing to watch these junior chefs grow each week,” said Ramsay. “Alexander pulled off complex dishes every week that professionals would be proud to call their own, and we are extremely impressed by what he has accomplished.”

“During my journey on MASTERCHEF JUNIOR, I learned so much from the judges, especially to be more confident in the kitchen and to be more determined,” said Alexander. “Of course, I will always remember the moment when I won, but I will also never forget the amazing time I had with the other contestants and judges. Thank you MASTERCHEF JUNIOR!”

In tonight’s exciting season finale episode, Alexander competed in a culinary showdown with Dara Yu, a 12-year-old from Los Angeles, CA. For the final challenge, Alexander created an impressive, restaurant-quality three-course meal: an appetizer of Basil Lemon Shrimp with Heirloom Tomato Crostini; a main course of Pan Seared Veal Chop with Gnocchi and Butter Sauce; and a Cannoli Napoleon with Mascarpone Cream for dessert. After a very close competition, it was Alexander’s harmonious flavors, complex techniques and elegant plating that earned him the MASTERCHEF JUNIOR trophy.

Season to date, MASTERCHEF JUNIOR is averaging 5.1 million total viewers and ranks No. 1 in its time period among Adults 18-49, Adults 18-34, Women 18-49/18-34, Men 18-49/18-34 and Teens. MASTERCHEF JUNIOR has improved FOX’s performance in the time period versus last year by +58% among Adults 18-49. In addition, MASTERCHEF JUNIOR averaged a +50% lift from its Live + Same Day to its Live +7 Adults 18-49 rating – the largest percentage gain of any unscripted series on the Big 4 networks.

MASTERCHEF JUNIOR is produced by Shine America and One Potato Two Potato, and is based on a format created by Franc Roddam and Shine. Shine International handles distribution for the MASTERCHEF format. Elisabeth Murdoch, Eden Gaha, Paul Franklin, Robin Ashbrook, Gordon Ramsay,Adeline Ramage Rooney, Patricia Llewellyn and Ben Adler serve as executive producers.

“Like” MASTERCHEF JUNIOR on Facebook at facebook.com/MasterChefJuniorFOX. Follow the series on Twitter @MasterChefJrFOX and join the discussion at #masterchefjunior.

About One Potato Two Potato:

One Potato Two Potato was co-founded by Gordon Ramsay and Optomen Television in 2008 to exclusively create and produce worldwide content for Ramsay ventures across all media, including television, digital and publishing. Renowned for award-winning original programming, the company produces high-quality TV shows on both sides of the Atlantic, including the smash-hit Hotel Hell, which was the highest-rated new network show of summer 2012; the blockbuster MASTERCHEF and new hit MASTERCHEF JUNIOR, all for FOX; major food competition series “Food Court Wars”; as well as massive U.K. hit “Gordon Ramsay Behind Bars” and “Gordon’s Great Escape” for Channel 4; and “My Kitchen,” for UKTV’s Good Food Channel. Ramsay’s groundbreaking and hugely popular Channel 4 series, “Cookalong LIVE,” aired as a special on FOX and has since become a successful format around the world. OPTP is also currently in development on several exciting unscripted and scripted projects, within and beyond the food genre, for network, cable and digital platforms in the U.S., U.K. and around the world. OPTP distributes its hugely popular TV programming and formats to more than 200 territories via Optomen International. The company became part of the All3Media group in 2010. Find out more about One Potato Two Potato at onepotatotwopotato.tv.

About Shine America

Shine America is a world leader in producing and distributing compelling scripted and unscripted television and digital content. Shine America is known for popular and award-winning original series, including “The Biggest Loser” and “The Face,” as well as adaptations of Shine Group formats such as MASTERCHEF, MASTERCHEF JUNIOR, “Minute To Win It” and the upcoming series SLIDE SHOW, as well as scripted series, including “The Bridge” and BROADCHURCH. Shine America incorporates several divisions, including unscripted format label Ardaban and Shine Latino, which develops and distributes original Spanish-language content to the U.S. marketplace. The company also has a joint-venture with award-winning producer Nigel Lythgoe (Nigel Lythgoe Productions). The global Shine 360? division builds brands through the leveraging of its intellectual property and creating integrated marketing opportunities for advertisers. The company has also developed over 20 groundbreaking original online series on MSN, Yahoo!, YouTube premium channels and other platforms, many produced in partnership with global brands. Through Shine Group’s distribution arm, Shine International, Shine America distributes its extensive library of programming and formats to more than 150 countries. Visit shineamerica.com for further information.